Submitted by admin-r4b on
Narra, Palawan - As part of the 7-Point Strategic Policy Agenda of the National Irrigation Administration, under the leadership of Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, the NIA MIMAROPA under the management of Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio M. Cervantes and Palawan IMO headed by Division Manager, Engr. Armando L. Flores, successfully facilitated a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) for the Dumangueña Manaile River Irrigators Association, Inc. on May 9, 2025, at Barangay Dumangueña.
Spearheaded by the Institutional Development Program (IDP) implementers of Palawan IMO, the seminar aimed to equip the association’s officers and members with essential knowledge and understanding in preparation for their registration as a formal cooperative. It focused on cooperative principles, legal requirements, and organizational structure. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
Ms. Marian A. Concepcion, Provincial Program Coordinator/Cooperative Development Specialist (CDS)/Acting Senior CDS, served as the resource speaker. She comprehensively discussed the benefits, legal framework, and procedural requirements of cooperative formation under Republic Act No. 9520, or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.
Also present during the seminar was Mr. Rhante B. Sarmiento, the designated representative of the Narra Municipal Cooperative Development Office, who expressed full support for the initiative.
An open forum followed the presentation, where participants actively raised questions regarding cooperative operations, regulatory compliance, and organizational development. The high level of engagement reflected the members’ readiness to pursue full cooperative status.
Through this initiative, NIA aims to capacitate Irrigators Associations, such as the Dumangueña Manaile River IA, to evolve into self-sustaining cooperative capable of managing irrigation systems and accessing broader economic opportunities. The seminar marks a significant milestone in the association’s journey toward formal cooperative status.
-Maricel C. Ustaries, IDO A